Political unrest (also referred to as civil war) is a state of social and political instability that can be manifested in protests, strikes and violence. It is often triggered by economic, social and political factors that undermine people’s quality of life and their faith in government.
In some cases, these conditions are so severe that people feel they have no option but to revolt against the existing power and take control themselves. This type of unrest can be very difficult to manage and is often accompanied by the threat or use of weapons by one side against the other.
The root causes of political unrest vary widely. Economic inequality is a significant driver because it makes people feel left out of the benefits of economic growth. When people lose faith in their governments because of corruption, they become more prone to protest and civil unrest.
In addition, racial tensions can be a cause of unrest because it leads to identity-based politics and division along societal and ideological lines. This can lead to events like the Charlottesville rally in 2017, or the resurgence of white nationalist groups in India.
Other common triggers include rising food and fuel prices, a decline in subjective well-being (measured by the Ability to Live a Purposeful Life Index), and a decrease in trust in government (measured by the Democracy Index). When these conditions are present, a country’s risk of political unrest increases significantly. The good news is that it’s possible to reduce the risk of political unrest by reducing inequality, corruption and authoritarianism.